What is the purpose of a needs statement in grant writing?

• A. Describes the problem and justification for the project
• B. Describes daily tasks
• C. Lists personnel anecdotes
• D. Outlines campus facilities

Answer: (A)

In grant writing, the needs statement establishes the reason the project is necessary by clearly describing the problem or gap the work will address and why it matters. It brings together evidence, data, and context to show the scope, severity, and urgency of the issue, and it ties that need to what the proposed activities will accomplish. This section builds the justification for funding by explaining why support is needed now and how the project aligns with the funder’s priorities and the broader public health impact. It sets up the rest of the proposal by showing that resources are warranted to reduce or solve the identified problem and by linking the need directly to the planned objectives, outcomes, and evaluation. Describing daily tasks, listing personnel anecdotes, or outlining campus facilities alone do not convey the underlying need or justify the investment in the project in the same compelling, data-driven way.